Waveguide Corner Structure Using Micro-Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical waveguides with low core-clad index contrast face increased optical loss in bent portions, preventing compact size fabrication due to enlarged losses in angularly bent waveguide core arrays.
Innovation Solution
The waveguide corner structure replaces angularly bent portions with micro-mirrors, allowing for compact design by mounting a plate with mirrors onto a waveguide member, either by drilling holes or cutting grooves, to change the direction of light beams effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If angular bent portions are used in waveguide core arrays, then compact size is achieved, but optical loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (mirror or reflective surface) at the waveguide corner to mediate the light propagation. Instead of directly bending the waveguide core, a reflective intermediary changes the light direction, allowing the waveguide to maintain a compact angular configuration while avoiding the optical loss associated with direct angular bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bending of the waveguide core (which causes optical loss) with an optical mechanism (reflection from mirrors or reflective surfaces). This substitution allows the physical waveguide structure to remain compact while the optical path is redirected without the harmful effects of mechanical angular bending.
2Ease of manufacture
If low core-clad index contrast is used, then fabrication is simplified, but optical loss in bent portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing reflective intermediaries (mirrors) at the bent portions, the patent enables the use of low core-clad index contrast materials without suffering from high optical loss. The intermediary handles the direction change function, allowing the waveguide cores to use simpler, lower-contrast materials that are easier to fabricate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the optical confinement mechanism (relying on high index contrast for tight bending) with a reflective mechanism. This allows the use of materials with lower index contrast that are easier to manufacture, while the reflective surfaces handle the bending function that would otherwise require high contrast materials.
3Ease of operation
If mirrors are inserted in holes or grooves, then light beam direction change is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mirror mounting structure with the existing waveguide fabrication process by integrating holes or grooves into the waveguide core array manufacturing. This combining approach allows mirrors to be added without requiring entirely separate fabrication steps, thereby reducing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure provides its own mounting infrastructure (holes or grooves) for the mirrors during the fabrication process. This self-service approach means the complex mirror integration is built-in during manufacturing rather than requiring additional complex assembly steps later, reducing operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces optical loss at waveguide corners, enabling the fabrication of compact optical waveguides with improved core-clad index contrast preservation, facilitating efficient light beam direction change through total internal reflection.
Implementation Method 1
facilitating efficient light beam direction change through total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide corner structure includes a plate on which mirrors are formed; and a waveguide member including waveguide cores and holes, each of the holes being drilled in a portion replacing an angular bent portion of corresponding waveguide cores. The plate is mounted on the waveguide member so that each of the mirrors is inserted in corresponding one of the holes for a change of a direction of a light beam at the portion of corresponding waveguide cores.